Airplane surfaces may harbour deadly bacteria
May 21, 2014 15:05
Are you a frequent air traveller? Watch out for that armrest! Disease-causing bacteria can live for up to a week on airplane seats, tray tables, armrests, and other surfaces, scientists have found.
Bacteria such as MRSA and E coli can linger on surfaces commonly found in airplane cabins for days, even up to a week, researchers said.
They obtained six different types of material from a major airline carrier (armrest, plastic tray table, metal toilet button, window shade, seat pocket cloth, and leather), inoculated them with the bacteria and exposed them to typical airplane conditions.
MRSA lasted longest (168 hours) on material from the seat-back pocket while E coli survived longest (96 hours) on the material from the armrest.
Bacteria such as MRSA and E coli can linger on surfaces commonly found in airplane cabins for days, even up to a week, researchers said.
They obtained six different types of material from a major airline carrier (armrest, plastic tray table, metal toilet button, window shade, seat pocket cloth, and leather), inoculated them with the bacteria and exposed them to typical airplane conditions.
MRSA lasted longest (168 hours) on material from the seat-back pocket while E coli survived longest (96 hours) on the material from the armrest.
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